October 17, 2000

Available airwaves
FCC opens more spectrum to wireless services

The Federal Communications Commission announced last week that it will allocate 50 MHz of spectrum from 3650 to 3700 MHz for both fixed and mobile commercial wireless services. The FCC has also proposed licensing and service rules for this spectrum and is currently seeking comments about the possibility of pairing this 50 MHz of spectrum with an additional 50 MHz of spectrum available in the 4940-to-4990-MHz band.

According to the FCC, the Commission's latest frequency allocation is intended to benefit the public by permitting and encouraging the introduction of new wireless communications services, particularly in rural areas, that will include traditional voice telephony as well as new broadband, high-speed, data and video services.

The allocation is also meant to encourage more effective competition to existing wired exchange carriers by providing an economical alternative method for providing "local loop" or "last-mile" facilities.

For more information: www.fcc.gov

—Mark Long, News Correspondent